In a thrilling announcement, GWB Entertainment has revealed that Tony Award® winner and renowned international screen actor, Owen Teale, is set to don the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the highly anticipated return season of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
Teale, who previously received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Scrooge in The Old Vic’s 2022 London production, is making a triumphant return to the stage in Australia for the 2023 Melbourne run of this timeless holiday classic.
Torben Brookman, the executive producer of ‘A Christmas Carol’, expressed his excitement as Teale joined the cast.
“We are so delighted to welcome Owen Teale back to Australia to lead the 2023 Melbourne production of ‘A Christmas Carol’, said Brookman.
“Owen [Teale] is such an outstanding actor, and we are so thrilled to provide Australian audiences with the opportunity to see him on stage alongside the incredible Australian company.”
While Teale is perhaps best known for his recurring role as Alliser Thorne in HBO’s epic fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’, he is currently captivating audiences in the BBC detective thriller ‘Wolf’. His versatile screen career also includes appearances in comedy-drama series like ‘Stella’ and police drama ‘Line of Duty’, as well as roles in various other productions such as ‘The Rig’, ‘The Pembrokeshire Murders’, ‘Spooks’, ‘Doctor Who’, ‘Robin Hood’, ‘Tolkien’, ‘The Last Legion’, and ‘King Arthur’.
‘A Christmas Carol’ will mark a significant moment in Teale’s career as it’s his first time performing on an Australian stage since the 2004 tour of the West End production ‘Dance of Death’. His recent international stage credits include ‘A Doll’s House’ (West End/Broadway), for which he received a Tony Award® for Best Featured Actor in a Play, ‘No Man’s Land’ (West End), and ‘King Lear’ (RSC).
Teale himself shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming production.
“I’ve never been happier to be getting on a plane brimful with humbug knowing that Melbourne is to knock it out of me every night in this great piece of theatre,” said Teale.
“Jack Thorne, Matthew Warchus, Rob Howell, and Chris Nightingale have adapted Charles Dickens’ legendary tale into something greater than the sum of its parts. It gets into people’s hearts and minds and changes them – it’s theatre at its best. Come and be part of it.”
The Ensemble of ‘A Christmas Carol in the 2022 production. Photography credit Jeff Busby.
In addition to Teale, the cast will feature Debra Lawrance (known for ‘Fisk’) as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Bernard Curry (‘Wentworth’) as Bob Cratchit, Grant Piro (‘Death of a Salesman’) as Fezziwig, and a talented ensemble including Sarah Morrison, Samantha Morley, Anthony Harkin, Andrew Coshan, Stephanie Lambourn, Aisha Aidara, Deirdre Khoo, and Kaya Byrne.
Completing the company are Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, Ben Colley, Jack Van Staveren, and Jasmine Vaughns.
‘A Christmas Carol’ is scheduled to grace Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre starting from 12 November 2023.
This production, originating from The Old Vic, has been a resounding success, earning five Tony Awards® over seven seasons since its premiere in 2017, and receiving widespread acclaim during its debut season in Melbourne in 2022. Crafted by the writer of ‘Harry Potter and The Cursed Child’ and directed by the creative mind behind ‘Matilda The Musical’, it offers a magical interpretation of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale.
Notable actors have previously taken on the role of Scrooge, including Rhys Ifans, Andrew Lincoln, Stephen Mangan, Stephen Tompkinson, Paterson Joseph, Campbell Scott, Bradley Whitford, Francois Battiste, and Australian star David Wenham.
‘A Christmas Carol’ is a compelling narrative of social compassion, redemption, and hope. Dickens’ 1843 novella unfolds the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a heartless businessman who isolates himself from life, especially during Christmas. Through supernatural encounters with the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, Scrooge is compelled to confront his own misdeeds and is offered a final chance at redemption.
Conceived and directed by Tony Award® winner Matthew Warchus, this production is brought to life with the artistic vision of Tony Award® winner Rob Howell (scenic and costume design), Tony Award® winner Christopher Nightingale (music and arrangements), Tony Award® winner Hugh Vanstone (lighting design), Tony Award® winner Simon Baker (sound design), and choreography by Lizzi Gee. It also features 12 beloved Christmas carols, including classics like ‘Joy to the World’ and ‘Silent Night.’
In keeping with its tradition of supporting local charities, this production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ is proud to announce that FareShare will be its charity partner for 2023. FareShare has been tirelessly providing free, nutritious meals to those in need since 2001, with the belief that every Australian deserves access to a nutritious meal, regardless of their circumstances or location.
‘A Christmas Carol’ performs at Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 12 November until 31 December 2023.
For more information about the production and to purchase tickets, visit the official ‘A Christmas Carol’ website.
Photography by Jeff Busby.
